AUSTIN (AP) — The longtime president of the Texas Association of Broadcasters has died.
The association said Ann Arnold passed away on Saturday following a two-decade battle with leukemia. She was 67.
Arnold had led the TAB since 1987. She pushed for advancements in the emergency alert system and also lobbied for legislation that guarantees viewers would receive all FCC-licensed broadcast stations when telephone companies begin offering audio or video.
"Ann Arnold was an extraordinary and inspiring woman," said TAB Chairman Mary Mike Hatcher of Bryan Broadcasting in a written statement. "She was fearless in her advocacy for local radio and television broadcasters, for the public’s right to know how elected officials run our government, and in her long fight with cancer ... Texas is a better place because of her."
She worked as a correspondent for United Press International and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram before joining then-Gov. Mark White's administration as press secretary. She was the first woman to serve as a Texas governor's press secretary.
“Ann was passionate about Texas and optimistic about the future,” TAB Vice President Oscar Rodriguez said in a written statement. “The broadcast industry and local communities throughout Texas will long benefit from her dedication and passion.”
Arnold is a native of Jackson, Miss. She is survived by sons Bill and Jon, and her sister, Sue March.
WFAA.com contributed to this report.
